Daily Prompt: Tell us about a sensation — a taste, a smell, a piece of music — that transports you back to childhood.

For me, I suppose it would be a smell. Not sure I can describe it accurately, but it’s something akin to a cross between chocolaty-sweetness and the musk of old book pages.

Whenever I come across this smell – in second-hand bookshops most of the time these days – I will be reminded of the first time I read a mystery compilation by Alfred Hitchcock in the school library, way back when I was seven or so (sadly, I’ve yet to find another copy of that book). Or the times when I’d be sitting next to my mother while she read some ancient-looking tome.

I am also, interestingly enough, reminded of my childhood bike. The handlebars had a similar smell, for whatever reason, and so I’ll also be reminded of the times I spent riding my bike and pretending it was a car. Ahh yes, childhood.

Suffice to say, this smell definitely evokes various nostalgic memories for me.